Anton bounces back, tops Race 7

MANILA, Philippines - Carlos Anton dominated Race 7 and boosted his title-retention drive in the Philippine Touring Car Championship at the Clark International Speedway in Clark, Pampanga recently.

Anton, driving the Ethanworx-WorksBell Japan Honda FD, showed top form in taking pole position, finishing one minute and 10.598 seconds ahead of teammate and championship leader Paolo Mantolino of Jolly Management-R33 and Joey Pery.

Anton has won four of the eight races but suffered two accidents this season, relegating him to joint second with Pery with 160 points with Mantolino showing the way with 187.

The top Castrol-Yokohama driver, whose campaign is backed by View Park Hotel, Cars Unlimited, Autoshack, Special Stage, JSD Autosport, and Buddyclub suspension, went on to win the morning race in impressive fashion to post a big margin. But he faltered in Race 8 after a collision with Pery in Lap 1.

Still, Anton managed to lead the race up to Lap 4 but later settled for second when his transmission only had fourth gear left after the crash.